Post by westvirginiarebel on Jan 29, 2016 8:36:11 GMT
This is an idea I had for a TL exploring how America might still become a country after losing the original Revolution.
The Back-Door Revolution: A Different History Of The United States 1800-1900
1783-1805
Following their defeat in the Revolutionary War, the surviving patriots under the leadership of John Adams escape to the Louisiana territory, where they form a government-in exile in what is now St. Louis, which was then part of New Spain. In 1803, with the territory now under control of France as part of the vast Louisiana Purchase, Napoleon turns the tables on England by selling the territory (along with St. Louis) to the American exiles.
Thomas Jefferson comes from exile in France to become President (1804-1808)
1805-1820
First Era Of Independence
This period is marked by rapid American expansion into the South and the Illinois Territory, gaining Mississippi and Arkansas along with Tennessee. The Indiana territory, created by the British government for the relocation of the Cherokee, becomes a point of contention until hostilities erupt during the Napoleonic Wars. America, with the support of its French allies, eventually gains the upper hand and control of the Ohio territory along with the Carolinas and Georgia. A final defeat for the British comes with the capture of New England by 1815. Tens of thousands of British loyalists flee to Canada and South America. The American capitol is symbolically relocated to Philadelphia. With the acquisition of the Indiana Territory, the native Americans there become wards of the state.
1820-1840
Western Expansion and the Slavery Issue
The former British American colonies in New England are admitted to the Union amid contentious state elections. The United States continues to consolidate its position in America beginning with the Spanish-American War in the West, which is primarily fought in Texas, which becomes an American territory after gaining its independence from Mexico. The war continues in the West with the United States gaining California by 1840. James K. Polk, a hero of the Western War, is elected President, serving two terms. Although his presidency is largely successful, he is unable to resolve the growing issue of slavery. The Native Americans are relocated (again) from Indiana to the Dakotas.
1840-1870
Civil War and New Tensions with England and France
The American Civil War is fought between 1857 and 1861, after pro-slavery guerrillas attack settlers in Kansas. It ends with the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, who is killed just after inauguration. In 1865 French troops are sent to Mexico causing President William H. Seward to issue orders for Secretary of War John C. Fremont to support anti-French rebels. Although the French are defeated and driven out of Mexico, Seward faces impeachment charges over wartime detentions of political opponents, most notably Horace Greeley. America gains the Oregon territory from Great Britain and the states of Baja and Veracruz from Mexico as a result of the war. Hawaii remains a British territory.
1870-1900
End of the Frontier and Industrialization
By 1876 the Indian wars in the West are largely over. The first Transcontinental Railroad is begun and completed by 1880. America gains the Dutch East Indies as a territory during the economic depression of the 1890s and Hawaii following an American-backed revolt. A lengthy conflict in the Philippines ends with an American victory, but costs Republican incumbent William McKinley the 1900 election in favor of Independent candidate Theodore Roosevelt.
The Back-Door Revolution: A Different History Of The United States 1800-1900
1783-1805
Following their defeat in the Revolutionary War, the surviving patriots under the leadership of John Adams escape to the Louisiana territory, where they form a government-in exile in what is now St. Louis, which was then part of New Spain. In 1803, with the territory now under control of France as part of the vast Louisiana Purchase, Napoleon turns the tables on England by selling the territory (along with St. Louis) to the American exiles.
Thomas Jefferson comes from exile in France to become President (1804-1808)
1805-1820
First Era Of Independence
This period is marked by rapid American expansion into the South and the Illinois Territory, gaining Mississippi and Arkansas along with Tennessee. The Indiana territory, created by the British government for the relocation of the Cherokee, becomes a point of contention until hostilities erupt during the Napoleonic Wars. America, with the support of its French allies, eventually gains the upper hand and control of the Ohio territory along with the Carolinas and Georgia. A final defeat for the British comes with the capture of New England by 1815. Tens of thousands of British loyalists flee to Canada and South America. The American capitol is symbolically relocated to Philadelphia. With the acquisition of the Indiana Territory, the native Americans there become wards of the state.
1820-1840
Western Expansion and the Slavery Issue
The former British American colonies in New England are admitted to the Union amid contentious state elections. The United States continues to consolidate its position in America beginning with the Spanish-American War in the West, which is primarily fought in Texas, which becomes an American territory after gaining its independence from Mexico. The war continues in the West with the United States gaining California by 1840. James K. Polk, a hero of the Western War, is elected President, serving two terms. Although his presidency is largely successful, he is unable to resolve the growing issue of slavery. The Native Americans are relocated (again) from Indiana to the Dakotas.
1840-1870
Civil War and New Tensions with England and France
The American Civil War is fought between 1857 and 1861, after pro-slavery guerrillas attack settlers in Kansas. It ends with the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, who is killed just after inauguration. In 1865 French troops are sent to Mexico causing President William H. Seward to issue orders for Secretary of War John C. Fremont to support anti-French rebels. Although the French are defeated and driven out of Mexico, Seward faces impeachment charges over wartime detentions of political opponents, most notably Horace Greeley. America gains the Oregon territory from Great Britain and the states of Baja and Veracruz from Mexico as a result of the war. Hawaii remains a British territory.
1870-1900
End of the Frontier and Industrialization
By 1876 the Indian wars in the West are largely over. The first Transcontinental Railroad is begun and completed by 1880. America gains the Dutch East Indies as a territory during the economic depression of the 1890s and Hawaii following an American-backed revolt. A lengthy conflict in the Philippines ends with an American victory, but costs Republican incumbent William McKinley the 1900 election in favor of Independent candidate Theodore Roosevelt.
